Public consultation
Open consultations
Evaluation of the practising certificate maintenance of competence scheme requirements
The NSW Resources Regulator is seeking comment from interested parties on the maintenance of competence requirements for practising certificates for certain statutory functions under the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013.
Click here to view the consultation page.
Previous consultations and submissions
Vehicle interaction controls in NSW mines
Consultation has commenced on the Vehicle interaction controls in NSW mines discussion paper (PDF, 606.55 KB), seeking feedback on the potential pathways and position the Resources Regulator could take to address adverse vehicle interactions in the NSW mining industry.
Industry stakeholders are invited to provide their valuable insights and feedback on the discussion paper. Public consultation is an essential part of the process, as it allows for diverse perspectives to be considered when shaping policies and regulations.
The consultation period will be open from Thursday 27 July, until 5pm Friday 8 September 2023.
Proposed Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2022
The exposure draft of the proposed Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2022 was available for public comment.
The proposed Regulation will re-make the existing Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014 with some amendments, as part of the staged repeal of statutory rules under the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989.
Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) laws proposed amendments
The Resources Regulator is seeking comment from interested parties on proposed amendments to the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013 and Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014 (WHS (MPS) laws). The Act and regulation can be found on the NSW legislation website.
Operational Rehabilitation Reforms
We are seeking submissions on the guidelines which will support new standard mining lease conditions that require progressive rehabilitation, rehabilitation risk assessment, annual reporting, and detailed rehabilitation management planning. The new mining lease conditions will replace existing rehabilitation conditions on current mining leases and be added to all new mining leases through the regulation.
Diesel emissions
We are seeking feedback from the mining industry regarding the application of a diesel particulate exposure standard for mines in NSW.
Proposed new statutory function
On behalf of the Mining and Petroleum Competence Board, we are seeking comment from stakeholders on the discussion paper for a possible new statutory function of Geotechnical Engineering in underground coal mines.
Fires on mobile plant
In 2018, we developed a discussion paper on the use and possible regulation of mitigation strategies for the prevention of fires on mobile plant.
Proposed changes to experience requirements for Certificates of Competence
In 2019, we sought comment from stakeholders on the Mining and Petroleum Competence Board’s proposal to increase experience requirements.
Improving mine rehabilitation in NSW
Proposals to improve the regulatory framework for rehabilitation of major mining projects are currently under consideration.
For more information, go to the Department of Planning and Environment website
Targeted stakeholder consultations
Targeted consultation with identified stakeholder groups may be undertaken on specific issues when an open submission process is not required. This may take the form of direct mail/email or may include a forum by invitation. The Executive Director or Chief Inspector will decide when a targeted approach is appropriate and which stakeholder groups will be targeted.
If you believe you should be included in the targeted consultation process, please email meg.policy@regional.nsw.gov.au with your reasons before the closing date.
Targeted consultations are listed below:
| Description | Closing date |
|---|---|
| Consultation draft Technical reference guide - Pillar extraction in underground coal mines. (There was no feedback for MEG to consider.) | 20 October 2023 |
| Consultation draft Technical reference guide - Windblast management in underground coal mines (download MEG response feedback here (PDF, 45.46 KB)) | 22 September 2023 |
| Consultation draft Technical reference guide - Airblast management in non-coal underground mines (download MEG response feedback here (PDF, 77.21 KB)) | 22 September 2023 |
| Consultation draft Technical reference guide - Raiseboring operations (There was no feedback for MEG to consider) | 5 May 2023 |
| Consultation draft Technical reference guide - Stockpiles and reclaim tunnels in coal mines (download MEG response feedback here (PDF, 42.33 KB)) | 28 February 2023 |
| Consultation draft Technical reference guide – Withdrawal and emergency escape from underground coal mines (download MEG response feedback here (PDF, 112.08 KB)) | 19 July 2021 |
| Consultation draft Technical reference guide – Gas outburst (principal hazard management plan guidance)(download MEG response feedback here (PDF, 60.15 KB)) | 11 June 2021 |
| Consultation draft Technical reference guide – Escape breathing apparatus for underground mining applications (Standards for design and ongoing monitoring) | 26 June 2020 |
| Consultation draft Guideline – Development of a spontaneous combustion principal hazard management plan | 10 July 2020 |
| Consultation draft Technical reference guide – Non-metallic materials for use in underground coal mines and reclaim tunnels in coal mines (MDG3608) | 30 March 2021 |
| Consultation draft Technical reference guide – Hot work (cutting and welding) at mines and petroleum sites | 26 April 2021 |
| Consultation draft Technical reference guide – Ventilation Control Plan: Guide for the development of a ventilation control plan for underground mines | 26 April 2021 |
| Consultation draft Technical reference guide – Main fans booster fans and auxiliary fans in underground coal mines | 26 April 2021 |